Working with The University of Birmingham India Institute, Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage has created an exclusive digital concert, ‘Spirit Of Diwali’, bringing Diwali celebrations from around the world to audiences, with the message of Diwali: Tamaso ma Jyotirgamayo – lead me to light from darkness.The concert is narrated by Reena Tailor (Bollywood and Kathak dancer and Artistic Director of Bollywood Dreams Dance Academy), Vimal Korpal (stage, television and film actor and radio presenter) and Dharmesh Rajput (Lecturer in Media Production, Birmingham City University and Head of Cinema, Birmingham Indian Film Festival). The programme includes a feast of spectacular dance, music and performances from a host of leading international artists.With work ranging from rock, authentic classical and fusion music, contemporary music director Amit Trivedi shares a joyous welcome song featuring artists from all over the world, choreographed by the renowned Shampa Gopikrishna and Bertwin D’Souza, and celebrating the happiness and prosperity from Lord Ganesha’s blessings. Bringing together the best musicians and dancers across 60 international cities to collaborate on music videos viewed by millions of people globally, IndianRaga present Aadu Pambe – a Bharatanatyam dance about the mystical snake filmed amidst the sands and camels of the Arabian Desert!Internationally renowned for his Kathak dancing, Ludhiana’s Kumar Sharma teams up with this year’s Russia’s Got Talent semi-finalist Svetlana Tulasi and the inimitable Kathak Rockers to bring us their electrifying interpretation of Justin Bieber’s smash-hit song Despacito.
Having won audiences worldwide with their globally popular Balcony Concert series filmed during lockdown, Pune-based sisters Antara and Ankita Nandy share some of their music that has gone viral as the Nandy Sisters, performing songs in Assamese, Malyalam and Rajbongshi.Award-winning sitarist, composer and producer, Jasdeep Singh Degun was awarded a Sky Academy Scholarship to work on his debut album of contemporary and classical music, Anomaly, and has played at prestigious venues around the world. He is set to perform music in his signature versatile style, with a dedication to the classical tradition. Got TalentEspaña semi-finalist Sneha Mistri is a dancer, choreographer and performer from the UK currently based in Madrid. In the Spirit Of Diwali, she brings us a duet with the acclaimed Mumbai choreographer and Bollywood dancer, Devesh Mirchandani.Having founded the first British Gujarati folk dance movement, Raas Rebellion, dancer and performer Parle Patel was awarded the 2015 Asian Media Award for the Best Online Channel for his hugely popular YouTube platform. British born, internationally recognised Gujarati folk singer, Pritee Varsani has released several albums following her debut Om Shiv Omkara and has performed with artists worldwide from Lalita Ghodadra to Imran Khan.
Together Parle and Pritee perform their Gujarati song Ranjaniyu Reloaded, packed with colour, charisma and a whole lot of character. The Ananda Dancers – Amritha, Chiinthu, Sushmitha, Anaya Vasudha and Pranita – perform a special piece illustrating how dance has filed their lives.Winner of the 2011 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution towards Creative and Experimental Dance, internationally acclaimed choreographer and dancer Tanusree Shankar presents her choreographed performance We the Living, based on a Sanskrit Hymn which celebrates life in harmony with nature. The concert also includes an invocation to the lord of dance Shiva Shambho, choreographed and performed by Swathi Isha and Sophia, as well as an Indian version of Ed Sheeran’s hit Shape of You, performed by Aditya Rao, Vinod Krishnan and Mahesh Raghavan.In association with Indian Raga London, the concert includes Bharatanatyam, performed by Swathi, Isha and Sophia, as well as an Indian version of Ed Sheeran’s hit Shape of You, performed by Aditya Rao, Vinod Krishnan and Mahesh Raghavan. The Ananda Dancers – Amritha, Chiinthu, Sushmitha, Anaya Vasudha and Pranita – also perform a special piece illustrating how dance has filed their lives.Piali Ray, Sampad Director says: “We are delighted to share the enjoyment and positive energy of this festive season with you all. Let the illumination of the Diwali lights provide true enlightenment for us all to look ahead with happiness, compassion and optimism.”Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) and Director of the India Institute commented: “We are living through challenging times and, in the spirit of Diwali, we invite people around the world to join our special online concert celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
“We are a civic university with a global outlook and there is a special bond between Birmingham and India, stretching back to the arrival of our first Indian students in 1909. We’re proud of our research and education partnerships in India which reflect the country’s importance as an emerging global economic powerhouse.”Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by faiths throughout the Indian community to mark different historical events and stories but with all of them symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated by lighting lamps and candles in doors and windows of the home, around temples and other buildings, along with fireworks.Dr. Shashank Vikram, Consul General India, commented: “On this auspicious occasion, I would like to convey a very happy and prosperous Diwali to the Chancellor Lord Bilimoria, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Robin Mason and everyone at the University of Birmingham and beyond. ‘Diwali’ is about building bonds, sharing joy, happiness and celebrating ‘unity in diversity’. “I would like to extend best wishes to the University of Birmingham for their endeavour in keeping the spirit of Diwali high even in this testing time. Cultural festivals are the powerhouse of our society. They strengthen sentiments of community, they re-connect us to our heritage, foster a deeper understanding of our modern cultural plurality and at times of crisis, provides a lifeline to the isolated and the vulnerable. “The celebrations of Diwali have its roots in the triumph of light over darkness. This year that message has a particular relevance as we have seen the world change significantly over the last 12 months, and we have all faced challenges that we could never have expected. But Diwali’s message is a timely reminder of the light at the end of the tunnel and the collective strength of unity.”Spirit Of Diwali will be streamed on Sampad’s YouTube channel from Wednesday 11 November and The University of Birmingham’s YouTube channel from 7pm on Saturday, 14 November.
